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What is the Autonomous Research Activity LX? 

The Autonomous Research Activity Learning Experience is an Autonomous Learning Experience (LX) that can be used to document and guide self-reflection of a pharmacist's experience contributing to an original research article or manuscript, literature review or systematic review that has not yet been published in a journal or peer review publication. If the research progresses to publication, then the Endorsed Publication or Conference Research LX is the recommended LX to use. 

It is a Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) tool that can be used for inclusion towards ANZCAP recognition.

The main outcome of the LX is to record evidence of a pharmacist's contribution to a research activity and understanding of research practice. 

Examples 

• Completed research report at the end of an AdPha Resident Training Program 

• Completed research report at the end of an AdPha summer placement (student LXs only)

Autonomous Research Activity Process 

Choosing a Situation 

There are a wide variety of research skills or research projects that may be appropriate for reflection using the Research Activity LX. See some suggested examples above. Ideally an Research Activity LX should focus on a research project that has been completed to allow the pharmacist to reflect upon the outcomes of the project. Ultimately the exact scenario, role played, and the skills expected by the pharmacist will vary depending on the practice recognition level they are aiming to meet.

Learning Experience Details

The Autonomous Research LX requires the pharmacist to document the following information:

Date

Document the date that the research work was submitted

Brief Description

Provide a brief description of the format and content of the research activity. Some examples of the type of information that may included in this section are:

• A summary of the content/piece of work (e.g. original research, case studies or quality improvement/professional practice projects)

• A summary of the pharmacist's role in the research piece and the stage at which the unpublished research is currently at

• The specific enabling competencies that apply to this experience (see practice recognition level section below).

Area of Practice

Provide details of the area of practice associated with the content of the research. This is a free text area which allows subspecialities or multiple areas to be documented. However, the areas documented may align with the ANZCAP speciality areas of practice.

Practice Recognition Level and Complexity

The Research Activity LX is mapped to:

• Domain 5 of the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia 2016. Please note that not all the domain 5 indicators listed in this document may be relevant to this Learning Experience. 

• Domain 1, 2 and 3 of the Competence Standards for Pharmacists in Aotearoa New Zealand Pharmacists, 2023. Please note that not all the Domain 1, 2 and 3 behaviours listed in these competence standards may be relevant to this Learning Experience

The pharmacist must identify a research project that applies to their current level of practice (e.g. ANZCAP resident, registrar or consultant) and area of specialty.

In some scenarios the same research project may be used for pharmacists aiming for different levels of practice recognition. However, the complexity and expected knowledge, skills and role will vary. 

Please refer to the ANZCAP recognition descriptors article for the further guidance on markers of performance for each ANZCAP recognition level. 

Collaborator

Pharmacists may have engaged in discussion with professional peers, mentors or managers to encourage reflective practice. However, this is an Autonomous Learning Experience and therefore the final submission should be completed by the pharmacist without collaboration. 

Reflection & Goal Setting 

The pharmacist is encouraged to utilize the SMART goal technique to develop any learning or development goals that are identified from self-reflection after the experience. 

Forms and Templates 

Evidence of the research activity is documented directly into the ANZCAP digital platform as an Autonomous LX. For further step by step instructions on how to do this please refer to the How to complete a Learning Experience article.

If ANZCAP members wish to use a research activity form from their own organisation, the completed form may be uploaded into the Supporting Evidence section of the LX. Please note that for the LX to become validated the candidate must still complete all sections marked with an asterisk *.

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